February 19th, 2007

“I’d love to see a point where it is irrelevant, and could be repealed because abortion is no longer necessary,” McCain told the Chronicle in an article published Friday. “But certainly in the short term, or even the long term, I would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade, which would then force X number of women in America to [undergo] illegal and dangerous operations.”

Given the news that John McCain has forcefully denounced Roe v. Wade, the understandable liberal reaction is to point out the inconsistency of this legendary Straight Talker (TM). And I agree, in general, that the media myths about McCain's increasingly risible claims to independence need debunking. Given the unpopularity of his position, though, when it comes to forced pregnancy it should be pointed out that his record is in fact fundamentally consistent: he's for it. He has a 0% NARAL rating. He's never met a federal abortion regulation he doesn't like. He voted for Robert Bork, which would have meant Roe being overturned 15 years ago. He favors a constitutional amendment banning abortion. It's true that he has said that he wouldn't want his daughter forced by the state to carry a pregnancy to term, but basically all American social conservatism comes with an implicit self-exemption for rich white people, and John McCain's daughter won't have a problem obtaining a safe abortion if Roe is overturned.

So while McCain made some egregious panders about abortion when running in a primary in which his major opponent already had the social conservative vote locked up, McCain is in fact a consistent supporter of criminalized abortion.

Further emphasis on the key fundamental summation here, the topic at hand notwithstanding, is this gem:

"...basically all American social conservatism comes with an implicit self-exemption for rich white people"

I've been asked about my thoughts/feelings/opinions on the matter of former NBA player and recently out (and smoking HOT, my GOD that man is gorgeous) John Amaechi and the homophobic Tim Hardaway’s comments about him. I think it's pretty obvious how I feel about this sort of thing - but I'll let John Amaechi say it himself. See the video here of his appearance Friday on Real Time with Bill Maher. Or, just to gaze at him and hear that sexy voice of his.

Also, I've found the entire show on YouTube of my favorite episode of Real Time. On the panel were actor Bradley Whitford, theologist Reza Aslan, conservative activist Sandy Rios, columnist Frank Rich and filmmaker CC Goldwater. It's in 6 parts, 5 behind the cut. If nothing else, watch 5 & 6 where the subject turns to religion and then to New Rules.